Marathon efforts for babies charities

Local ladies will tackle 26-mile run for miscarriage and premature babies charities

John Herring

john.herring@newburynews.co.uk

Contact:

01635 886633

LOCAL ladies will be taking on the challenge of running in this year’s London Marathon to raise funds for charity.

Kate Pike, from Thatcham, will run the 26-mile, 365 yard course for the Miscarriage Association on Sunday, April 26.

The cause is close to the 39-year-old’s heart as she suffered four miscarriages from six pregnancies.

“I have always dreamed of running the London Marathon and figured as I am 40 this May this would be a great year to do so,” she said.

“I applied for a charity place with the Miscarriage Association and when I received the acceptance email I cried a lot.

“For me, it’s a chance to fundraise for a charity that has helped not only me but family and friends who have experienced the heartache of miscarriage.”

Mrs Pike said that the furthest she has ever run was the Reading Half Marathon this year and that she wanted to double that amount before her 40th birthday.

She said that she was feeling “excited and petrified in equal measures” about running the marathon but her training regime was on track, completing 18 miles in one go and building up ahead of the event.

“I am so proud to be doing this but know I’m going to be so so nervous on the day and in the lead up to it,” she said.

Mrs Pike has already raised 1,558.50 – beating her target of £1,500. To make a donation, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/katepike

Other local ladies also running in the London Marathon for charity are Melanie Porter Turner, from Lambourn, and Lisa MacKenzie of Thatcham, who will be fundraising for Newbury-based charity New Life, which provides equipment for premature or seriously ill babies.

Mrs Porter Turner has previously completed the Reading Half Marathon and will take part in the Berlin Marathon and the Great Park Run later this year in aid of the charity.

So far the pair have raised more than £1,000. To make a donation visit https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/newlife

If you’re planning to run this year’s London Marathon please email newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk